CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills you need to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career.

Why is it different?

No other certification that assesses baseline cybersecurity skills has performance-based questions on the exam. Security+ emphasizes hands-on practical skills, ensuring the security professional is better prepared to problem solve a wider variety of issues.

More choose Security+ for DoD 8570 compliance than any other certification.

The new Security+ certification covers the Junior IT Auditor/Penetration Tester job role, in addition to the previous job roles for Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, and Security Administrator.

About the exam

CompTIA Security+ is the first security certification IT professionals should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. Security+ incorporates best practices in hands-on trouble-shooting to ensure security professionals have practical security problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity professionals with Security+ know how to address security incidents – not just identify them.

Security+ is compliant with ISO 17024 standards and approved by the US DoD to meet directive 8140/8570.01-M requirements.

The new CompTIA Security+ SY0-501 exam is available as of October 4, 2017. More information on the exam is available in the Exam Details below.

Organizations that have contributed to the development of Security+

Jobs that use CompTIA Security+

Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Security Administrator

Junior IT Auditor/ Penetration Tester

Security Specialist

Security Consultant

Security Engineer

Exam Details

Exam Codes

SY0-501

Launch Date

October ​4, 2017

Exam Description

The CompTIA Security+ exam will certify the successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to install and configure systems to secure applications, networks, and devices; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation techniques; participate in risk mitigation activities; and operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws, and regulations. The successful candidate will perform these tasks to support the principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

CompTIA Security+ SY0-501:
What’s in this version

The new exam has been updated to better reflect today’s best practices for risk management and risk mitigation including the following:

More emphasis on the practical and hands-on ability to both identify and address security threats, attacks and vulnerabilities.

Skills covered in Security+ have become a baseline for all cybersecurity jobs and the new version has been updated to reflect how cybersecurity jobs are becoming more specialized, like security analytics. Because of this, the importance of and demand for Security+ has increased for a broader variety of job roles.

Exam Preparation

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The CompTIA CertMaster family of products offers you options for wherever you are in the certification journey. Whether you need a final review before your exam with CompTIA CertMaster Practice or need to renew your certification with CompTIA CertMaster CE, CompTIA CertMaster's online training tool has you covered.

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Learn with Official CompTIA eBooks

CompTIA eBooks help you prepare for your certification exam as only CompTIA can. Industry-leading experts and trusted content give you the knowledge you need to pass your certification exam and rise in your IT career.

Instructor-Led Training

Instructor-led training provides a comfortable teaching environment with instructors that are familiar with the certification process and can help you master your certification exam. Find your instructor now.

Find a CompTIA Authorized Training Provider Partner

Ready for the Test?

When you’ve completed your training and you know you can take your certification exam with confidence, head over to the CompTIA Marketplace and purchase your exam voucher that you will need to sign up for the test.

Renewal

Keep your certification up to date with CompTIA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. It’s designed to be a continued validation of your expertise and a tool to expand your skillset. It’s also the ace up your sleeve when you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

Get the most out of your certification
Information technology is an incredibly dynamic field, creating new opportunities and challenges every day. Participating in our Continuing Education program will enable you to stay current with new and evolving technologies and remain a sought-after IT and security expert.

The CompTIA Continuing Education program
Your CompTIA Security+ certification is good for three years from the day of your exam. The CE program allows you to extend your certification in three-year intervals through activities and training that relate to the content of your certification. Like Security+ itself, CompTIA Security+ ce also carries globally-recognized ISO/ANSI accreditation status.

It’s easy to renew
You can participate in a number of activities and training programs, including higher certifications, to renew your CompTIA Security+ certification. Complete CertMaster CE, an online, self-paced CE course, or collect at least 50 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in three years, upload them to your certification account, and Security+ will automatically renew.